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4 Surprising Health Benefits of Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit

When people think about cactus, dangerous flesh piercing
spikes often comes to mind. However, not many people are aware of the fact that
cactus is edible. In fact, cactus is good is for you! The prickly pear is
capable of producing fruits for up to three years without rainfall—which made it an
abundance source of food for desert habitants.

Evidence from archeological studies indicates that the Mesa Grande Indians
were some of the first groups of people to eat cactus fruit. The Spaniards called this
fruit “the fig of the Indians.” The cactus fruit is used for various culinary
purposes. However, it also has many health benefits such as regulating blood
sugar levels, decreasing risks of cancer, reducing bad cholesterol, helping
alleviate alcoholic hangovers, and it is also has antiviral properties.

█ Regulates Blood Sugar Levels:

Diabetes is a chronic illness that is characterized by unusually high levels of glucose in the blood. Because of its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, patients who suffer
from diabetes might benefit from the cactus fruit. Various studies have been done on animals and humans to
determine the efficacy of the cactus fruit in regulating blood sugar levels. The results from the studies generally indicate that the cactus fruit has hypoglycemic properties.
Although further research is needed for a definite conclusion, the results show that the prickly pear does have the ability to regulate
blood glucose levels.

█ Helps Prevents Cancer

Research has proven that people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables
generally have lower cancer rates. This is because a lot fruits contain
antioxidants—which are substances that help prevent cancer by protecting the
cells from unstable molecules known as free radicals. A study published by the
American Society for Clinical Nutrition shows that a daily consumption of 500
grams of cactus pear fruit pulp for two weeks causes a considerable increase in
antioxidant activity. Other studies show similar results. Like other
antioxidant-rich fruits, it is possible that the cactus fruit can help prevent
cancer.

█ Reduces Bad Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a major problem that often leads to heart disease.
Fortunately, research has shown that the cactus fruit is a possible remedy for
high cholesterol. This is because the cactus fruit has an abundance of pectin.
However, the cactus fruit’s pectin is particularly strong—even stronger than
many other sources of pectin. This makes the cactus fruit an ideal food to lower
cholesterol levels.

█ Alleviates Alcoholic Hangovers

A hangover is malaise or a feeling of discomfort after the excessive
consumption of alcohol. Hangovers are often characterized by symptoms of nausea,
headache, tiredness, etc. Interestingly, studies have shown that the cactus
fruit is able to reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.

█ Final Thoughts

More research needs to be done to substantiate the benefits of the cactus
fruit. However the fact that numerous studies show positive results, it is
reasonable to believe that the cactus fruit is beneficial for your health.
Before consuming the cactus fruit, consult your doctor first. Consulting your
doctor will help you prevent hazardous reactions between the cactus fruit and other medications you are
currently taking.

█ Is This a "Super Fruit?

While the cactus fruit has innumerable health benefits, it should not be considered a "super fruit." This term is an exaggeration. Many fruits are good for your health. The cactus fruit is just another healthy fruit you can try to supplement your diet.